Shooting gallery



March 2, 1954 .Q N. BROYLES 2,670,959

SHOOTING GALLERY A Filed July 28. 1950 5 sheetssheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

ATT ORNE' )5 March 2, 1954 D. N. BRoYLEs 2,670,959

SHOOTING GALLERY y Filed July 28 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 8 A A INVENTOR.

WMMQAQ A TTURNE'YS March 2, 1954 D. N. BRoYLEs 2,670,959

SHOOTING GALLERY Filed July 28, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

MWL/f@ ATTURNYJ Patented Mar. 2, 1954 UNITED `STATES PATENT OFFICE SHOOTING GALLERY Daniel N. Broyles, Knoxville, Tenn.

Application July 28, 1950, Serial N0. 176,485

4 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in amusement devices, and more particularly to a device in the nature of a shooting gallery provided to test the skill in shooting, as Well as for entertainment or amusement of the user thereof.

Shooting galleries as provided heretofore generally have been inthe nature of a large area having provision for movable targets to test the skill of the user, or have required extended range both as to length of space and lateral Width thereof to increase the skill of the user or to provide for amusement or entertainment. It has not been practical with such devices as provided small space, as in a store, bowling alley or other building of amusement, whereby this may be added to the Vamusement features otherwise available.

One object of this invention is to provide a shooting gallery adapted to accommodate a single shooting implement With target, which composite device requires relatively small space or area and yet provides the amusement or training resulting from the use of a firearm.

A further object of the invention is to provide an entertainment or amusement device which will make possible the discharge of a firearm in association with a target while confining the effect thereof to relatively small space, without danger to surrounding objects.

'I'hese objects may be accomplished according to one embodiment of this invention by the provision of a housing which is associated with a tube or tunnel in which the firearm may be discharged, with provision therein for receiving the projectiles from the firearm. It is preferred that a cushion be provided at the end of the tube or tunnel to absorb the projectiles, such as may be formed by a-layer of sand in the bottom of the tube. It is also preferred that a suitable target be arranged in the tube or tunnel with provisions for changing after a suitable period of use. One feature of this invention involves the manner in which the target is moved lengthwise in the tube or tunnel from the open end thereof to a suitable position for use, this movement being accomheretofore for installation thereof in relatively plished by gravity under control of the operator Y or user by a winding operation.

One form of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the device;

Fig. 2 is a cross section through the tube or tunnel thereof on the line 2-2 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3is a front end elevation thereof;

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional viewthrough the lower end of the tube or tunnel;

Fig. 5 is a detail longitudinal section of the target-moving cylinder, with parts in elevation;

Fig. 6 is a crossksection therethrough;

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 3 but partly in section, on the line 1 1 in Fig. 8;

Fig. 8 is a vertical cross section therethrough on the line 8-8 in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a detail cross section through a portion of the tube or tunnel, showing the target holder in elevation;

Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view therethrough; and

Fig. 1l is an enlarged side elevation of the target holder detached.

The device is adapted for use as a shooting gallery or range to practice the shooting of rearms, and may be usedY for amusement purposes or for training. In the form illustrated, the device is shown as constructed with an upright housing I, from the upper end of which a tube or tunnel, generally indicated at 2, extends downwardly in an inclined direction. These parts may be assembled as a unit either in the shape shown or in such other relation as may be desirable. They are of sufficient height and length, respectively, suitably to accommodate an average-sized person and a reasonable extent of projection of the shot being red, but the length of the tube or tunnel 2 may be varied for different types of firearms. It is preferred that the device be portable for ready handling and movement when desired, and, accordingly, the members I and 2 are shown as mounted on rollers 3 which may be in the form of casters or otherwise, as desired.

The upright housing l is constructed with opposite side walls 4, a front Wall 5, and a top enclosure, generally designated at 6. Joiningthe upright front wall 5 andthe top enclosure 6` is an inclined wall l from which the tube or tunnel 2 extends downwardly at an acute angle substantially normal to the plane of the inclined wall l. The forward end of the tube or tunnel 2 is open at the Vface ofthe inclined wall l, as shown inFigs. 3 and 8, and is preferably enclosed Within a channel or molding,A generally indicated at s. f3

This tube or tunnel 2, preferably, is formed of sheet metal bent into cylindrical shape and extending downwardly from the wall 'I to the lower end of the device, having a at bottom adapted to rest directly on the floor or to be supported by one of the casters 3. This tunnel 2 has an access or clean-out door 9 in the lower end portion thereof hinged to a side of the tunnel, or otherwise movably connected there- 3 with for access to the interior of the tunnel, as shown in Fig. 4.

The bottom of the tunnel 2 is adapted to receive an absorbing material, generally indicated at IS, which, in the form shown, preferably is composed of a layer of sand of sufficient thickness to receive and absorb the projectiles fired through the open upper end of the tunnel. A layer of perhaps five inches or six inches of sand usually will' be sufficient for this purpose. A baille II is shown extending from side to side in the tunnel 2 (see Figs. 2 and 4) to assist in bracing the lower end of the tunnel and to mai-ntain the sand in proper relation thereto.

It is preferred that the interior` ofthesheet metal tunnel 2 be lined with asuitable soundabsorbing material, generally" indicated 'at I2. One form of sound-absorbing material which has been found suitable for this purpose is a fairly heavy wall-board type known as ,-Celotex, made in strips and-secured -adhesively or otherwise to the interior of the cylindrical tunnel, preferably extending substantially throughout the circumference thereof, as shown in Figs. 2

and 7.

Provision is made for supporting a-target Within the tunnel 2, as generally indicated at I3` and shown in Figs. 4 and 7 to ll. Thev target I3 is adapted to be detachably secured by a `spring clamp lli to a holder I5, wherebythe target may be slipped easily into or out of the holder but will be retained frictionally lby spring pressure in the holder when the device is in use. It is preferred that means be provided for moving the target I3 up and down in the tunnel 2 so as to locate the target in the desired position, or make it accessible to the user at the upper end ofthe tunnel` Accordingly, I have provided a trolley I6 connected with the holder I and supporting the latter as shown in Figs. 9 and 11. The trolley I5 is-mountedslidably in a track I'I that extendsflengthwise of the tunnel 2 and is secured in suitablemanner to the interior of the latter, as indicated in Fig. v9.

-The track I'I, preferably, extends Ialong, the jupper wall of the tunnel 2 and is shown. as in,l suffciently inclined relation so .thatatheweightpf the trolley I6 andholder l5.w,ill besuieientto move the latter downwardly .along ltheztrack by gravity to allow for placing the target.l3 atthe desired position adjacentthelower .end..of,;,the

tion.

The trolley 'IB is` adapted to beV moved upward "anddownward in'the track 'I'I by means of a flexible cable,Y generally indicated ata I8,` which cable is secured "at one' end to the trolley I6, while the opposite end'thereof4 extends around a guide roll I9 and upwardly-intheportion G'of'the hous- Ying toa winding drum or 'roller 23. Asshown in by a pin or hook, generally indicatedatztand located within an indentation in the drum.` ""1`his will form a positiveconnection ofthecable-"with the vdrum to prevent accidental separation -therefrom.

The winding. drum is mounted loosely. on a 4shaft 22 that extendspthrough.; the drum-.and

through the head portion 6 of the,housing. ..The shaft 22 is journaled .on .bearings 22(,-in:the;end Walls d of the housing. `V`A crank :23.is provided on complished Lupon rotationbof "the shaft lby a collar 24 (Fig. 5) adiustably-'secured to the shaft 22 and acting through a coiled spring 25 sleeved over the shaft 22, which coiled spring 25 is interposed beftween'the collar 24 and the adjacent end of the drum 2f. One end of the spring 25 bears against sthe collar-and the other end bears against the adjacent endange Ila of the drum, whereby a. frictional and 'yieldable connection will be provided between the collar and the drum that will cause rotation of the idrum upon rotation of the shaft. Howeyer, slippage is permitted When the f trolley IGYhas been moved to anl extreme/position at one end ofthe track `ITI so astoprevent -br-eakage of thecablev I8.

Thefcollar. 24 is fixedto.;the

' shaft 22l inoanv adjustable.-position-,toivaryf-the f tension -onlthe Yspring 25.

- Afspring 26 `is also shown as interposed between one of the bearings 22A` and a collar.- 24'.also.ad

justably fixed in 'the :shaft: 22, tendingr to. maintain the shaft in proper positionraccording 4tof-the adjustment ofthe collar.` thereon. f While the device may be usedwithany-suitable type of firearm, it'isshown aswfhavingY Aamine` .21

connected; therewith andi preferably attached by a-chain or other-securefbutexible connection with the device` so as to.--preventremoval:oftthe lrifle .from the .-interior.- of. thewtunnel. .2,.whi1e allowing for ready movement thereof within:the rangeV of `firing..positions. -'Normally:.the;ri1e or othery firearm lissupported on a1 frontfledge, generally indicated at V23, extending :transverselyof the open end of the-.tunneland'upon-afrearledge 29 extending transversely. thereofat.a..point spaced from the open ends as pshown in-Figs '7 and 8. Each of-thef-ledgesZ and 29,.-preferably, has a 'notch inter-mediate 1 the Alength --zthereof A,to

, facilitate resting or 1 support roi. the. riflel .when not in use.

,A shelftorY shield .isfshownsatI-SIIe-extendng transversely of the tunnelzZ-lfromthe,uppeeedge portionof theledgel as a-cover overl anilluminatinglamp 3! mounted:.-on.fthei-bottomof the tunnel. `This lamp 3I,preferably,.isdirectedatoward the lower end yof .ther tunnel Zand-.should l be disposed so. as to `illuminatetheetargetfftfoat tunnel.

' Additional lamps are shown .at .32 .finf-rthehead portion B of the housing to-,i-llumnateraesign or.- other` advertising feature,4 -generallysshowrrat I33 in said head portion.

Located inthe fronti wall 510i the vhousing I is a-door 34' shown-as hinged or =otherwisefmov ably supported in :the:l housing.. .This .doorrzpieferably, isflockedfsecurely tofpreyent: unauthorized vaccess lto the interior' 'fof-fthe@housingsaaA .receptacle 35 ,is providedonfthefzdooraaiiapted.to

receive targets whichmaybefremoyedttherefrom Yforuse inthe device.

Mounted on-thel door Mon-the innertisidezonthe housing `I isv al bracket136=Lfuporrl which isxssupr`ported acdispensing device; generallyrdesign'ated at 31. Thedispensingdevce 531 'isradaptedcfor the dispensing ofscartridgesseithen singly-:orv in stantially in acccrdanceiwithrthm applicatiomof i Daniel Broyles and Calvin Russell for Vending Machines, Serial4 Number 17,274, filed March 26, 1948, now Patent No. 2,621,096, granted December 9, 1952. Such application. is referred to for a more vcomplete disclosure of the structure and manner of operation of the dispensing device 3-1.

This dispensing device 31 is-heldin place on the inner face of the door 34 by means of swivel bolts 38 (Fig. 8) in the example illustrated, although any suitable means may be provided .for a secure support thereof Within the housing` I. A receptacle 39 is located beneath the dispensing device 31 to receivethe coins.

In the form of dispensing device set forth in the above-mentioned applicationv andpatent,- this is adapted for fdischarging three bullets into a receptacle 49- mounted on a support unit 4I in an opening in the door 3 4.' A receptacleinv the dispensing device 31 contains a quantitylof bullets Whichare fed down step-by-step and discharged in suitable numbers into the, receptacle 40. The discharge of the bullets is controlled by the rotation of a feed unit as set forth more fully in the application and patent referred to above.

As shown in Fig. 8, the lamp 3| is adapted to be connected with asource of electric current vso as to provide for automatic illumination of the interior of the tunnel 2 whenever the device is to be operated or used. The lamp 3| is shown as connected with a source of electrical supply, including a cable 59 leading to a' junction box 60 on a side of the housing 2. A separate cable 6I extends from the junction box to the vlamps 32 in the'head portion of the housing.y f

The operation of the device willl be evident from the foregoing description rof its construction. The user or operator initially withdraws a target from the receptacle 35 on the front of the housing I and inserts the target into the clamp I4. Then, upon rotationof the shaft 22 by the hand crank 23, the trolley I6 and support I 5 arelowered along the trackway I1 to the lower end of the latter, where a suitable stop is provided in the trackway to hold the target in its set position.

Upon insertion of a coin, such as a dime for instance, into the opening 45, the slide member 43 may be pushed in a full stroke, after which it may be withdrawn. This coin-controlled device will be a conventional part and the operation thereof will vary somewhat depending upon the characteristics of this part. However, the device set forth is described as one example thereof.

In this form the initial insertion of the slide member 43 may be made in a backward direction. Then, upon return motion of the slide member 43 in an outward direction by the operator, the dispensing device 31 may be operated through a stroke suiiicient to discharge the required number of projectiles, according to the setting of the dispensing device 31. In the example given here, three bullets will be discharged thereby.

These bullets will be dropped into the receptacle 40 by the dispensing device 31, from which they can be withdrawn by the operator and used successively in the rie 21.

Normally, when the device is not in use, the rifle rests on the ledges 28 and 29 with its barrel pointed into the tunnel 2, where it should be confined by a chain, cable or other flexible device so that it cannot be withdrawn entirely from the interior of the tunnel.

With the target in place at the lower end of the tunnel 2, as shown in Fig. 4, the user oft-the shooting gallery then would insert the cartridges, one by one, into the rifle 21 either as they are respectively shot, or, if a repeating rie is used, all can be inserted at one time. The target I3 enables the user to test his skill as well as .provide entertainment or amusement.

. Then, upon rotation of the drum 20'bythe `crank 23, the target can be drawn upward to the front. of the device for more careful inspection Aof the results of the shooting. Additional targets may be. used'to replace the one previously used,

Lor several target areas may be provided on a single target, as indicated in Fig. 9, as desired.

' It will be noted that the crank 23 may be rotated in either direction to withdraw the target to the front of the device, A,since the drum 20 may rotate either forward or reverse. Moreover, there ,is no danger of breakage-of the cable I8 through excessive winding of the drum, since the clutch device 24-26 will allow slippage between the shaft 22 and the drum as soon as the trolley I6 has reached the front end of the track I1.y

The foregoing statement as to the order of operating the device is merely an example, and the steps may be varied as desired Without re- .quiring the precise order of steps as set forth.

:places of amusement or entertainment, either for instruction or for amusement. The device is so constructed that there is little likelihood of injury .to persons around the shooting gallery, since the projectiles are confined to the interior thereof, and the wall of the tunnel 2 may be made of sufficiently strong metal that there is no danger of an escaping bullet. The sand or other absorbing material I Il in the lower end of the tunnel effectively receives and retains the projectiles. Such a device can be moved readily, being handled by one or two men and transported in a comparatively light truck.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in certain embodiments, it is recognized that variations and changes may be made therein without departing from the invention, except as set forth in the claims.

I claim:

l. A portable shooting gallery comprising a downwardly inclined tunnel having an open upper end adapted to receive therein means for firing projectiles, supporting means for the tunnel mounting the tunnel on a supporting surface in said downwardly inclined position at a substantial angle to the horizontal, means in the lower end of the tunnel for receiving and retaining said projectiles, said means comprising a mass of particulate material lying loosely on the bottom of the lower end of the tunnel, a track extending downwardly along the top of said inclined tunnel substantially throughout the length thereof, a weighted target holder slidably mounted on said track and movable by gravity downwardly therealong to a point adjacent said material from a point adjacent the open upper end of the tunnel, a iiexlble device connected at one end with said target holder, and winding means adjacent the :eingetragene -eizop en :end :of ftheP tunnel;- ecmmectei withithe-foplgrppsitesendf Sofi the exible deviceafforf gnovingthe eztargetf holdem-upwardly.

.-2512,1.Aeportableshooting .gallerytzcomprising: a

s stubular tunnel: supported; in; aedownwardly :in-f- --iolined .positionwittuitsfupper end approximately at shoulder levelz'of a.personeinisstandingveposiefgtiom. and :its lower .enelclose-Atorz'groundalevel, efsaid lowerzend .-being1-idsposed. in -a-substanti'ally 'ff-,Jiorizontalsplana Ya ylayer of.;particulateamaterial? ewithnsaidetunnelpatithe. lower.; endithereof and .,:arrangedwitl 'lts'.surface:substantiallyhorizontal,

:i I3nd meansonsupporting ,a target.l inf-thertunnel adjacentsaid layer zetmaterial.

3':Af;portableae.shooting.;;gallery: comprising at' vi :tubularsimrlnel'` having an. .open` upper `:enel :adaptd. to receive therein; meansy forf ringrprojectiles througl'rfthemunnel, :,.supportingA means Afforfthe unnel mmmtfingftheA .tunnel .on asupportingurpeneupper end approximately. at .shoulder 4level t of a. i person -in :standing.. position and fits `lewex` endclose to =saidsuppertingrsurface; said lower vMend .-b eingi `disposedA` ina tsubstantially'.; horizontal rfcplanegymeans Vin 'ithelower *.end, of :the tunnel-forvv receivingr andretainingV said@ projectiles, e said means comprising a v{relatively} ymick ;layer,i rof 5.-, particulatemateriall'iaving asubstantiallyhori- :I zontal top-.surfaceeand extending..overe'substan- .:tia-lly .theentre area ofthe interior of the-tunnel? 2 1t-.andy means for* supporting atm-get in rthe.t-ulmel ,.;a.djacent said layer, of material.

L A, lportable shooting gallery comprisinga -.c.,..tubular..tunneLhavingian open upperend, adapted to receivemltherein means for firing .Y projectiles 5.;-;througl1the. tunnel, supporting :means =for. the tunnelfmountingthe tunnel Ona supporting surface. in a downwardly :inclined.position With1its 'open Y,upper` .end approximately.V .at .shouldervlevel j of ya person. in .standingfposition wand. its .lower `endI close` to `said =supportngsurface,1 said suptporti-ng means including :an upright housngeonace in a:.downwardlyz..inclinedrpositionviwthxtsl porting=, aaitarget: in ifthez.. tunnelfadjacent I, said gslayengofematerial.

@DANIEL :N1 Enom s.

15 Befexenees, Gitedinftthe Vfille;v of this patent .f1UN1TED STATESJPA'IENTS 

